Geology Holidays

I was recently lucky enough to experience some first class diving in Barbados. The island itself is full to brimming of exciting geology as it’s one of the only Caribbean islands that is not volcanic. Go under the warm tropical waters and you will find an abundance of fantastic marine life, wrecks and geological features. I managed to take this picture whilst snorkelling on Turtle Beach, it’s not the best picture, but you can imagine the amazing sites you will see.

The islanders or ‘Bajans’ are the friendliest, happiest people you will meet and it won’t take you long to relax in when you get there, one thing to note is ‘bajan time’ which means if you say turn up at 7, they will turn up at 9! Barbados is an island where you throw all your cares away, sit back and enjoy the rum. Taste all the different foods, enjoy all the beaches, swim in the warm tropical seas and you’ll wish you weren’t leaving!

From Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast to Zagreb in the North and the Istrian peninsula, Croatia has something to offer every tourist. The climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, which means warm dry summers and mild winters and it is one of the sunniest coastlines in Europe.  Sailing holidays are an option visiting some of the many islands off the coast, some uninhabited, Cruising, chartering a boat with or without a skipper or taking a sailing course for the beginner to the more advanced sailor among you. The former Yugoslavia offers fabulous, reasonably priced food some with an Italian influence and other local specialities such as a palacinke which is a crepe-like dessert often stuffed with walnuts or chocolate and sometimes served with ice cream.

Korcula Island belongs to the central Dalmatian archipelago and is a stunning Island known well for it’s nudist beaches! If that doesn’t float your boat but rocks do, check out the hidden coves and bays dotted along the coast of the Island. Secluded beaches and scattered boulders from cliffs that once stood are just some of the incredible geological sites you will see here.

Latvia ‘The Land That Sings’.  Whether you’re interested in museums, medieval castles or nature reserves Latvia offers them all. Latvian craftsmen have kept traditions alive which have been passed down from their ancestors, these can be seen in workshops and museums all over the country and include woodcarvers, potters, carpenters, stonemasons, weavers and tailors. Hunting and fishing are popular as there are many lakes as is boating and accommodation can be found in campsites, farmhouses or guesthouses. Watch out if you go hiking as you may see wildlife such as elk, deer, brown bears and wolves in the national parks. Latvia is a country with beautiful nature, wonderful people and great history.

Riga sits not too far away from the coast of the Baltic Sea. A Sea famed for once being a massive river bed. As the Earth shifted around, so the sea was formed. It is one of the largest inland seas and has a very low salinity. The Baltic Sea coast offers a varied coastline with white sandy beaches and rock formations, at certain times of the year even Baltic Amber can be found.

Bulgaria has clean air, a healthy climate, forests, history, mountains, culture… Actually you name it, Bulgaria has it! The Bulgarian coast  faces east and extends over 378 km, there are lots of vast fine golden sandy beaches and the majority of Bulgaria beaches have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for their environmental excellence.
For wine lovers Bulgaria boasts of a long history of grape growing and wine production, there are five wine regions which are scattered all over the country that grow international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sunny Beach sits on the coast of the Black Sea which is a geological mish mash of events, from volcanoes erupting to mountains rising and sinking, the Black Sea is very interesting! Then take into account the interesting features the Sea itself has to hold, for example it is less than half the salinity of normal sea’s, so now salty taste in your mouth should you swallow some whilst swimming!